Guwahati, 30th April: TMC leader Sushmita Dev has raised concerns over the lack of documentation relating to the acquisition of land for a proposed Greenfield Airport project in Dolu TE, Cachar district, Assam.
Dev revealed that despite multiple requests made to the former Chief Secretary, Jishnu Baruah, on June 10, 2022, and August 18, 2022, the necessary documents have not been provided. Assurances were given that the documents would be furnished once the flood situation in Cachar district improved, but Dev alleges non-compliance with this commitment.
Taking proactive steps, Dev has now forwarded a list of the requested documents to the new Chief Secretary, Ravi Kota, urging their prompt provision. In her capacity as a Member of Parliament and a concerned citizen, Dev emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in such matters.
The issue gained further attention following a recent directive from the Supreme Court instructing the Assam government to maintain the status quo at the Dolu tea estate, where the Greenfield Airport is proposed to be constructed. The court expressed concern over the clearance of shrubs in the tea garden without an environmental impact assessment report.
In response to a plea filed by Tapas Guha and others, the Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Assam government, and other stakeholders. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioners, highlighted the necessity of environmental clearance for such projects, citing concerns raised by the NGT’s dismissal of Guha’s plea earlier in January.
The NGT’s decision underscored the importance of environmental impact assessment reports and the need for environmental clearance before proceeding with projects of this nature, prompting heightened scrutiny and legal action.
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